Search found 25 matches

by SparkleMotion
Thu Sep 10, 2020 8:10 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: 2021/2022 Advice
Replies: 10
Views: 11812

2021/2022 Advice

Long time no see, board!

My spouse and I are trying to figure out our options. Here are the stats:

Spouse:

3-year Temp License - Florida - Math 6-12
(Can and will convert to permanent license.)
B.S. Mathematics
Currently teaching Geometry (capable of teaching Calculus)

Me:

3-year Temp License - Florida - Math 5-9, Math 6-12. English 6-12, English 5-9, Health K-12, +CELTA
(Can and will convert to permanent license in Math 6-12 and English 6-12 at a minimum.)
B.S. Health, B.A. English - Creative Writing, M.S. Communications
Currently teaching 9th grade English

+two small children (3-year-old, 1-year-old)

We both just started teaching in Florida and we know the 2-year standard for international teachers.

I will not have TAUGHT math, but I am licensed to do so. My husband has the degree in math, is licensed, will have one year of experience teaching math here in the states. If we wanted to leave next year, what moves could / should we make? I'm pretty sure Search and ISS are off the table without the two years of experience - is that correct? Is TES our best bet?

We're flexible as to location. Are mid-year moves ever advisable? Which boards / sites should we be scoping out?

We're hoping the prospect of two licensed math teachers will help us jump the proverbial line at least a little. Thank you for any help you can provide!
by SparkleMotion
Wed May 08, 2019 1:30 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Getting a real job at a real school without experience
Replies: 90
Views: 81208

Re: Getting a real job at a real school without experience

^ good advice. Just note that with a provisional license you would not be able to teach in New Zealand. Hawaii would also require you to obtain their license as provisional licenses don’t transfer.
by SparkleMotion
Wed May 08, 2019 8:28 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Getting a real job at a real school without experience
Replies: 90
Views: 81208

Re: Getting a real job at a real school without experience

I only have experience working abroad in business and as a TEFL teacher, so take what I have to say with a grain of salt. Most of what I’m about to write is based on research and not real experience, so other teachers will be better equipped to respond. That being said —

I think CELTA will not be entirely useless, because the type of schools who will pick up a teacher at this point in your career will likely be “international” schools and have a relatively high percentage of ESL students. If you haven’t taught this group before (though you mention having some ESL students), especially since you’d be teaching Math, you may find yourself ill-equipped for the task if you don’t have some ESL training. A CELTA could make you more attractive to the type of schools where you will be most competitive right now. It won’t matter down the road but it may help you get your foot in the door.

From what I understand, home country experience is valued very highly. I know it sucks and, believe me, I don’t want to do two years in US public schools either. Your references from your previous career will not be regarded with much seriousness by prospective international schools as they don’t pertain to your experience as a teacher. You’d be better off even teaching at a summer camp or the like and getting a reference that pertains to your teaching ability and your experience with your target age group and teaching your subject. Maybe look for a summer STEM camp that you can work? Student and colleague references are also not regarded very highly, so if you have an ESL supervisor reference I would go with that rather than teaching out to students.

The answer to most of the “what are the odds” questions are pretty similar: you will be as competitive as the market will bear. You’re not going to be represented by Search unless you are represented as an “intern” and ISS won’t represent you either. You’ll be relegated to those jobs you can locate through free job boards / low cost, lower quality boards and the jobs you can hunt down on your own. That’s not to say you won’t find the arrangement you’re looking for this way - in fact - you likely will. You’re openess to all of Asia and even low-paying posts in South America really increase the number of schools that will be looking for a math teacher and may find themselves in a position next year to compromise and take on a newly qualified teacher.

For China, you need two years of experience or a TEFL / CELTA to get your visa approved - so if China is a main target I would move forward with a TEFL of some kind to cover that base.
by SparkleMotion
Thu Apr 25, 2019 7:38 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Anyone adopted while teaching internationally?
Replies: 6
Views: 8856

Re: Anyone adopted while teaching internationally?

Are you adopting a special needs child? I was under the impression that single women could only adopt special needs and older
children in China. How are you meeting their requirements for an extensive support network as an expat living there?

Sorry I don’t have any feedback, just wondering about the process.
by SparkleMotion
Thu Apr 25, 2019 7:26 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Job sites for NQT's
Replies: 10
Views: 11597

Re: Job sites for NQT's

@Zebra750

Just out of curiousity, what kind of compelling argument did you make?
by SparkleMotion
Fri Apr 19, 2019 7:07 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Feeling like I want to move my family back home
Replies: 29
Views: 30138

Re: Feeling like I want to move my family back home

California is a big place with a wide array of economies. What area are you looking at?

It sounds like you have your mind made up. I’m really
concerned that you are going to be super broke. Do some research on median salaries in your target market and housing costs. I’ve never heard of a single-earner household with three dependents being supported on a teacher’s salary in the US. I also don’t see broke American teachers taking summer trips to France.

Housing in much of California is, as I’m sure you know, outrageous. American teacher salaries are pretty bad. The district will decide if your overseas years count, so it’s anyone’s guess what experience bracket you’ll be in. I’d pick a district or two and reach out to their recruiting office to get an accurate picture of what to expect salary-wise should you return. Are you licensed already in California? Sometimes the general rule is years of teaching after licensure.

Has your husband worked with the AP before? I taught in BKK / Northern Thailand with my ex (an American journalist) and the AP has a presence / office there. Maybe he can shift to working for them directly and transfer with them to California. Also, journalism is America is generally crap. I don’t think he’ll have to reinvent himself if he wants to keep writing. Lots of magazines and newspapers across California will be glad to have him. (The ex who was a journalist on the west coast before we left was honestly a terrible writer and never had an issue getting work or even winning awards for his garbage writing.)
by SparkleMotion
Wed Apr 17, 2019 11:12 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: International Pension Recommendations
Replies: 22
Views: 22061

Re: International Pension Recommendations

My background is in international banking / finance, but my plan is to mostly invest in low-cost index funds (Vanguard comes to mind). I’m an American with steady available capital for contributions and a lot of time for interest to compound and to see markets steadily increase. That may not be your situation.

A number of questions here...

What timeline are you looking at? How many more years will you be contributing to said fund? How much do you plan to contribute and what kind of returns do you expect? These are all questions that will help someone guide you on your retirement investments. Even if you don’t invest with one, it may behoove you to discuss your questions with a financial advisor. Also, you have to consider your citizenship and the resulting tax implications as they apply to your investment vehicles and particular timeline.

Managed funds like the ones you may be considering could have substantial fees associated that take away from your investments. I’m not suggesting that anyone try to teach themselves to day trade, but investing steadily in index funds (passive) with clear, low fees is generally safe and sound advice.
by SparkleMotion
Thu Mar 21, 2019 9:08 am
Forum: Forum 2. Ask Recruiting Questions, Share Information. What's on Your Mind?
Topic: FREE TUITION FOR DEPENDENT KIDS - KUWAIT, OMAN. SAUDI
Replies: 8
Views: 19147

Re: FREE TUITION FOR DEPENDENT KIDS - KUWAIT, OMAN. SAUDI

The usual suspects are going to come here and tell you that, with three dependents (two kids and a dependent spouse), that you basically carry the mark of the beast and that no one will hire you based on your two kids and your trailing spouse. They’ll also tell you that being specific about the countries you want to work in will make it more difficult to find this arrangement and that a more broad search will make you more likely to find tuition waivers for both kids with a trailing spouse.

The truth is, you will get what you negotiate. What is your experience level in your home country and with other international schools? What are your credentials? Is there any way for your wife to get certified and become a teaching couple? This would reduce your dependent count and increase your value.

Typically, schools will give you tuition waivers for each teacher. If you have two kids, two teachers greatly increase your odds of getting two tuition waivers. That being said, if you have great credentials, experience, and Gulf experience - you may be exactly what a school needs and they may negotiate with you.

It may be unlikely to find the arrangement you’re looking for without great credentials and significant experience, but it’s not impossible.

My husband and I looked at similar problems and are both getting US teaching experience to add to our resumes. We want to make sure we have tuition waivers at a good school for both of our kids. My husband could easily work in infrastructure / oil in the ME but, for a longterm career abroad with a good family balance, it makes the most sense for us and our kids for both of us to be certified, experienced teachers. I’m in the process of switching my certification area (adding to it, really, but teaching Math ornScisnce for the next 2-3 years) from English to Math or Science and my husband is getting certified in Math (his degree is in Math). We’re staying here for a couple more years than we planned to make that plan work. You may want to consider doing the same if possible. Does your wife have a degree?

Are you registered with ISS or Search Associates? From what I understand, you can review all of the posted jobs and the expected benefits (Including tuition waivers? Someone help me out here.) and get a more realistic idea of what the market standard is in those areas. If you’re targeting certain schools, you can definitely pay for the ISR service and pose this question in regard to specific schools in the member board. If I were in your position, I would find those routes to be a relatively small but good investment.
by SparkleMotion
Fri Mar 01, 2019 5:35 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Science Teacher without Science Degree?
Replies: 1
Views: 3337

Science Teacher without Science Degree?

I’ve posted before about trying to make a mid-term plan for transitioning to international school teaching. Separate question that I’ve been pondering -

I’ve gotten a lot of feedback about teaching at international schools, often peppered with the “if you had a STEM certificate” tips. I’m planning to transition to international schools in three years. In my state, it would be very easy for me to get certified in Math / Science but I don’t have a degree in Math / Science (undergrad is in Health - not sure if that’s viewed as related to Science by others).

Is a person with a degree and three years of Math / Science US teaching experience (and an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction) still valuable as a STEM teacher? Or are there enough Science / Science Ed majors out there that it wouldn’t be useful to go that route? Is it viewed differently than being an English teacher without a Lit or English degree?

Right now I’m planning on teaching English 5-9 next year (eligible to teach English and Health as of right now but can easily take the Science exam and be eligible there). I could just as easily teach / be certified in Science / Math 5-9. My husband is planning to do the same, but his degree is in Math. Would I be employable longterm in international schools with no educational background in Math / Science though?
by SparkleMotion
Thu Feb 21, 2019 7:51 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Laziest Students in Asia?
Replies: 36
Views: 36645

Re: Laziest Students in Asia?

Thames Pirate wrote:
> Anecdotal data is data, sure, but it is generally not sufficient for
> justification of claims as it often does not hold up to the scientific
> method and is influenced by things like confirmation bias.
>
> Anecdotes showing exceptions happen are fine for their purpose; they are
> meant to show exactly that. Anecdotes used to present as evidence that
> something is likely or standard are incorrect.
>
> Anecdotes are a data POINT. Psyguy likes to claim he only posts data while
> disparaging others for stating anecdotes as such. There IS a difference.
>
> Doctor, that may have been your experience, but that does not mean it is
> free from bias or that it is a fact.

It’s data... by a stretch. An argument can be supported by anecdotes but it may not rely upon them. It’s supporting data but anecdotes can not be used to show causation (x then y therefore x caused y). Post hoc ergo prosper hoc is the logical fallacy happening here - and some people are wearing themselves out with these fallacies.

Anecdotes are not valid data without proven causation. The sample size is only N=1, they are not controlled, and they are not representative. Actual data has a substantial and appropriate sample size, is controlled by established practices of collection, and represents (as accurately as possible) times when x caused y and those instances where x did not cause y. Acedotes can’t pass this test by saying simply that sometimes there was causation while “there are exceptions”. It doesn’t allow for accurate interpretation of data.

By contrast, anecdotal “data” is useful when used alongside of actual data that isn’t based solely in personal experience. Anecdotes can help clarify sets of complex data or offer an explanation for trends that can be seen in the data. You can only use anecdotes to show probabilistic arguments (and not causal arguments) when the actual data has already proven causation. (Data shows x causes y. In this case x then y). X in this case probably caused yAlso, even in Math we can prove things by way of contradiction - to say that something can not be absolutely correct if we can see an obvious instance where it is false.

Yes, as you later say, normal humans understand how to properly use and interpret anecdotes.

TL/DR - While calling anecdotal evidence “data” isn’t technically incorrect, you certainly cannot use anecdotes to prove causation without committing a logical fallacy.
by SparkleMotion
Tue Feb 19, 2019 8:07 am
Forum: Forum 2. Ask Recruiting Questions, Share Information. What's on Your Mind?
Topic: Why intl schools promote diversity but do the opposite
Replies: 16
Views: 34723

Re: Why intl schools promote diversity but do the opposite

shadowjack wrote:
> My school is the former too - thank goodness!

On the bright side, maybe not being white Americans will help us weed out the less internationally-minded schools!
by SparkleMotion
Tue Feb 19, 2019 7:48 am
Forum: Forum 2. Ask Recruiting Questions, Share Information. What's on Your Mind?
Topic: Why intl schools promote diversity but do the opposite
Replies: 16
Views: 34723

Re: Why intl schools promote diversity but do the opposite

Thames Pirate wrote:
> shadowjack wrote:
> > At a school with lots of people from many places in the world. Skin color
> > is no barrier. Sexual orientation might be, if public...
>
> This is true if the school is truly internationally minded. It is not true if the
> school is international in name only or values diversity in theory but not in
> practice. Thankfully I am at the former.

Oh man. I had asked this of some other ITs and the general consensus was that race wasn’t a real issue at the decent schools. This thread has me a little spooked.

One of my Chinese students once told me they recognized my husband. She said he built the buildings in Shanghai.

Years ago he considered traveling with me and teaching at a language school (he will be a Math teacher when we leave this time). Schools didn’t hesitate to tell him he was a dark Asian or that they weren’t interested in “Asian-faced” Americans.

I knew we’d deal with race issues in language schools (white guy in a tie as others said) but I really thought it would be a non-factor in this international school search. I’m actually not white either but people tend to think I am. My husband and I are both American (born here, grew up here, American accents) but we are not white Americans and neither are our kids, obviously. My husband (being Filipino American) compounds the problem because I know some schools / parents see Filipino teachers as second rate to “native speakers”. My husband is a native speaker (doesn’t speak a word of Tagalog) but parents may not understand that without an explanation.

I read some posts that noted schools may be more keen to take couples with white children to add more international students to their student body. Hopefully there are enough schools that do not ascribe to these attitudes for us to find a good school. Our kids definitely look Asian. One more hurdle to overcome I suppose.
by SparkleMotion
Tue Feb 19, 2019 7:27 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Laziest Students in Asia?
Replies: 36
Views: 36645

Re: Laziest Students in Asia?

Heliotrope wrote:
> sid wrote:
> > Racist?
>
> It's culture, not race.
> Korean culture is very (VERY) focussed on getting good academic results, but I'm
> quite certain it has nothing to do with their race.
> And as mentioned by @muguet, school culture can also make a big difference, or
> certain schools just attract a certain type of student.
>
> And to be honest, I was actually quite a lazy student in high school.

I understand that Korean education culture is intense and that the existence of cram schools and such tells that story. To ask which students are the “laziest” asks people to name a race of children and apply a negative, generalized view of that entire race’s work ethic.

That is literally racist. I understand that you don’t want to be accused of being racist, but you’ve essentially asked for racist generalizations to be made. Objectively, take a look at your question. That may have not have been your intent, but that’s the outcome.

I’m guessing OP meant to ask about differences in education culture in Asian countries (school-life balance for kids, homework completion rates, class participation trends) rather than which students are laziest.
by SparkleMotion
Mon Feb 18, 2019 10:29 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Advice Needed - 3-Year Transition to International Schools
Replies: 24
Views: 22658

Re: Advice Needed - 3-Year Transition to International Schoo

sid wrote:
> He generally keeps going forever. You can block him from your feed; you
> wouldn’t be the first.
> Don’t let it worry you. Take the good advice you’ve gotten and move
> forward. You seem to have your priorities straight and your thinking clear.
>
> Good luck.

Thank you! I didn’t know that was an option but I figured out that feature now. Moving forward :)
by SparkleMotion
Mon Feb 18, 2019 7:39 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Advice Needed - 3-Year Transition to International Schools
Replies: 24
Views: 22658

Re: Advice Needed - 3-Year Transition to International Schoo

So, you're saying there are no extracurricular activities in primary schools abroad? My school had various clubs and programs, and the school I attended was no gem. I'm hoping to get involved with / begin activities revolving around community involvement, children's theatre, chess, etc.

I have next three years to tailor my resume and you literally know nothing of my prior experience, so how can you say there is nothing relevant? I do have relevant experience and I have three more years to polish. I will have more than corporate references by then as well, three years worth. In those three years, I can make sure that I do have experienced in one grade level. Will they carry the weight of an experienced, career teacher? No. But I can put my best foot forward. That is what I'm interested in - creative ways to put myself in the best position possible at this juncture.

I understand that you will scoff at whatever that outcome will be; you've made that clear. I have been trying to be polite, but I am really not interested in what you have to say. If you could please allow others with constructive feedback to offer help rather than clouding the thread your lengthy and unfounded opinions, the conversation would be much more productive for me.